Atlanta United vs Vancouver Whitecaps Match Prediction

By Bharath Ramm R

Atlanta United picked up their first MLS win of the season in style after beating DC United 3-1 at the Mercedes Benz stadium. It was a dominant attacking display from Atlanta, and Martino’s team scored the opening goal through Josef Martinez in the 24th minute. A late flurry of goals from Hugo Almiron and Hector Villalba produced a comfortable look to the score, but Atlanta’s clean sheet was taken away by Darren Mattocks’ late goal. Vancouver Whitecaps picked up a 2-1 win over Houston Dynamo to make it back-to-back wins. Kei Kamara’s penalty helped Vancouver take the lead after 28 minutes. Alberto Elis did come up with the equaliser with six minutes left to the break, but Brek Shea scoring just after the break turned out to be the decisive goal.

Here we have our SBAT match preview with all the best predictions, betting tips and match stats.

Betting Tips and Predictions

Vancouver may have picked up back-to-back wins, but the team has not been on top of their opponents – especially in the away win over Houston. Atlanta, meanwhile, came in with a dominant performance against DC United and Gerardo Martino may have just found the sweet spot. Atlanta are coming up against Vancouver at home for the first time. The club will be aiming to avenge for the 3-1 defeat suffered at the BC Place stadium last season. I would back a win at half-time and full-time for Atlanta.

Josef Martinez looks impressive and came up with the opening goal against DC United. This helped the striker get the new campaign up and running. Despite facing several injury problems last season, Martinez came in with 19 goals in the regular season – only six fewer than Nemanja Nikolic. A great option would be to choose Martinez to score anytime.

Atlanta win at half-time and full-time –

Josef Martinez to score anytime – 4/6

Atlanta United saw over 1.5 goals in 8 out of their last 10 games played

Atlanta United have conceeded only 4 goals in their last 2 games against Vancouver Whitecaps

Vancouver Whitecaps saw over 1.5 goals in 10 out of their last 10 games played

Vancouver Whitecaps scored over 2.5 goals in 1 out of their last 2 games played against Atlanta United

FC Dallas

LA Galaxy

Toronto FC

Sporting Kansas City

FT 1 - 4

(HT 1 - 0)

D
A

21-10-2018

Major League Soccer

Los Angeles FC

FT 2 - 2

(HT 2 - 1)

W
H

28-10-2018

Major League Soccer

Portland Timbers

FT 2 - 1

(HT 2 - 0)

Atlanta United Preview

Manager Gerardo Martino came in for criticism of his tactics in the opening day defeat against Houston. However, the strong performance against DC United brings positivity back to the club. Even though Atlanta produced a big win, it remains to be seen if they can transfer the results to the away matches, as it was one of the Achilles heels for the club last season. Atlanta still appear to rely heavily upon the trio of Martinez, Almiron, and Villalba for the goals, and it was not a surprise to see all three score in the win over DC United.

Atlanta United Team News

Ezequiel Barco (quad strain) and Jon Gallagher (ankle) are ruled out of the game, while Leonardo Gonzalez is doubtful with a hip injury.

Vancouver Whitecaps Preview

Vancouver have made a brilliant start to the campaign without having been spectacular in the first two matches. The away victory over Houston was not especially convincing, as Carl Robinson’s team let far too many gaps at the back. A clinical Houston team would have punished Vancouver on any other day. Robinson’s team are still far from perfect, but they can build on the strong start made to the campaign. A positive for Vancouver is new signing Kei Kamara scoring in both of his appearances.

Vancouver Whitecaps Team News

Brett Levis (thigh), Ali Ghazal (hamstring), and Doneil Henry (hamstring) are the players unavailable for Vancouver Whitecaps. Marcel De Jong is doubtful for the match with a rib injury.